Grad Party: June 6 will be here before you know it

Support Project Graduation, the all-night party for the Class of 2014.

The annual tradition is back, or we should say it returned last fall, as it does every year when the next core group of parents starts planning the party for the following June. Project Graduation is a community effort organized to honor graduates for a job well done and ensure a safe place to celebrate with their friends.

The organization is nearly a year-round process, and much has been done already by parents, and other supporters, to prepare a fun, and safe, sendoff for the graduates. Hood River Elks donates the space in the lodge every year, and this year the Parkdale Fire Department is helping out in a big way by donating equipment and expertise for the always-popular casino games. (Music, food, prizes, and plenty of other games, movies and more good times are always part of the all-nighter, and some dedicated parents and staff members give up all or part of their night to help at the party itself.)

With so much already done, there is still plenty to do, and that is where the community can get involved. No need to stay up all night! If you or your business can make a cash or merchandise donation, the information for how to do is below. (Donations are tax-deductible.) Commemorative laundry bags, filled with swag, will go home with each attendee this year.

The fun this year ranges from a chocolate fountain to the memory wall of photos of students and their friends dating to preschool days. The party is a festive occasion, but also a milestone, as it marks (future reunions aside) the final time the Class of 2014 will be together. College, jobs, and travel await.

Yes, June 6 seems a long way off: but organizers of Project Graduation are busy working now to put together the best party possible. Spring break next week marks the start of the home stretch on the school year. Project Graduation members will be contacting community members soon, seeking donations. If you can help, the parents, and the students, appreciate the support of this important community project.

Donations can be sent to Project Graduation 2014, 1767 12th St., No. 178, Hood River, OR 97031, or call Wendy Herman at 541-490-6828.